Pope Leo XIV ’s inaugural Mass on Sunday morning in St. Peter’s Square and Basilica is a ritual filled with symbolism that

Leo XIV, the first ever American pope, condemned the exploitation of the poor and called for unity in the church during his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square, an event attended by world leaders, royalty and tens of thousands of believers.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV vowed Sunday to work for unity in a polarized Catholic Church and world, as history’s first American pope offered a message of healing during an inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square before an estimated 200,000 pilgrims, presidents, patriarchs and princes.